Acclaimed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature and as a remarkable
Renaissance woman, Maya Angelou will appear at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12,
in the Palestra of the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center on the University of
Rochester's River Campus.
Considered one of our national treasures, Angelou is an author, poet, historian,
songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer,
singer, and civil rights activist. She authored 12 best-selling books including
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) and her most recent best seller,
A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002). Angelou also produced several volumes
of poetry. Her collection titled Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore
I Diiie (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
In her appearances, Angelou presents a compelling vision of grace. She is known
as a passionate speaker, mesmerizing audiences with her vigor and the beauty
of her lyrics, swaying and singing as she recites.
Angelou is the second poet in U.S. history awarded the honor of writing and
reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration, appearing at the first
inauguration of President Bill Clinton. In 1981, Angelou accepted a lifetime
position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest
University in Winston-Salem, N.C. When she is not teaching, she continues to
travel throughout the world making appearances.
Admission to "An Evening with Maya Angelou" is $5 for University of
Rochester undergraduates, $10 for the University staff, faculty, and graduate
students, and $15 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the Common
Market in Wilson Commons on the River Campus and at the door. In addition, general
admission tickets only are available at the Greenwood Bookstore at 123 East
Ave.
Angelou's appearance at the University of Rochester is sponsored by the Outside
Speakers Committee. For more information, call (585) 275-5911.